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Get Above Ground with Us!

What are Aerial Arts?

Click here to learn about the discipline, and see descriptions of apparatuses offered at Above Ground


How to Book your First Class

Step 1

Complete our Intake Form

Step 2

Take advantage of our Special of 4 Classes for $89!

Classes can be paid for in full on a class by class / drop-in basis, but purchasing a subscription gives you big discounts on each class and open practice.

Step 3

Book your first class!

Browse by class type, or by schedule view.

Step 4

You’re all set for your first class!

Please bring a bottle of water. Wear athletic wear or comfortable clothing you can move and stretch in! Leggings are strongly encouraged. No zippers, jewelry or any metal allowed on the apparatuses.

 
 
 

 

 What are Aerial Arts?

Aerial arts refer to the performance of acrobatics, dance, and other aerial skills using various apparatuses suspended off the ground. These arts combine strength, flexibility, creativity, and artistry, and often appear in circus performances, theatrical productions, and fitness routines. Aerial artists may perform solo or in groups, incorporating acrobatic tricks, poses, and choreography while suspended from ropes, silks, or other devices.

There are different types of aerial arts, each with its own apparatus and techniques. It’s a physically demanding discipline that involves both athleticism and artistry.

Each aerial apparatus presents unique challenges and requires a mix of physical skills (strength, flexibility, and coordination) and artistic expression. Aerial dance often fuses elements of modern dance, gymnastics, and acrobatics with the visual impact of the suspended environment. It’s a discipline that is both demanding and visually stunning, pushing performers to explore the possibilities of movement in mid-air.

Apparatuses Offered at Above Ground

Aerial Silks (Fabric/Tails)

- Description: A long piece of fabric folded and suspended from a height. Aerialists climb, wrap, and twist the fabric around themselves to perform various poses, drops, and tricks.

- Key Features: Requires upper body strength, core stability, and flexibility. Artists often perform fluid, graceful movements, as well as high-flying drops that involve wrapping and unwrapping the fabric.

- Performing Style: Mostly used for vertical movements and drops, as well as intricate poses. Silks have a dramatic, flowing aesthetic.

Aerial Sling (Hammock)

- Description: Similar to aerial silks but instead of two separate pieces of fabric, the sling consists of a single, wide loop or hammock of fabric. It is used for supported poses, inversions, and dynamic moves.

-Key Features: The sling provides more support compared to silks, so it's often used for more static poses or tricks that require holding positions for extended periods.

- Performing Style: Often incorporates a mix of static poses, inversions, and transitions, with more emphasis on strength and control.

Lyra (Hoop)

-Description: A circular steel hoop suspended from the ceiling. Aerialists perform tricks and poses while inside, on, or hanging from the hoop.

   - Key Features: Requires core strength, flexibility, and grip strength to hold various positions. Lyra routines tend to include both static poses and dynamic, spinning tricks.

   - Performing Style: Lyra is known for its circular, graceful motions and is often used for acrobatic and balletic routines. Performers can spin the hoop or use it as a point of support for dynamic moves.

Aerial Rope

(Corde Lisse)

-Description: A single rope suspended from a height. Aerialists climb, balance, and perform acrobatic moves on the rope, often incorporating drops and holds.

- Key Features: It’s a challenging apparatus that requires significant upper body strength, grip, and coordination. Artists often perform dynamic tricks or more static, contortionist-style poses.

- Performing Style: Aerial rope tends to emphasize strength and control, with a focus on climbing, balance, and drops.

 

Trapeze

- Description: A horizontal bar (or multiple bars) suspended in the air. Performers swing on the bar, often incorporating acrobatic stunts and flips, or they may transfer to another trapeze or to a partner.

- Key Features: Aerial trapeze combines swinging, acrobatics, and drops. It requires timing, coordination, and the ability to move through the air in precise arcs.

- Performing Style: Known for its high-flying, dramatic stunts, trapeze includes moments of suspension, swinging, and flipping, with many routines involving exchanges between performers (partner trapeze).

 

INTAKE FORM

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FAQ

Q. Do I need to have experience?

A. Absolutely not! We teach students ranging from years of experience to no experience at all. If you’ve never tried aerial arts before, have no fear, you’re in the right place!

 

Q. What if I don’t have any upper body strength?

A. You will gain the strength you need by taking classes with us! No need to go to the gym to get strong before trying aerial. You’ll build it by doing it!

 

Q. What if I’m scared of heights?

A. Actually, a lot of aerialists are, believe it or not! But the way to overcome it is by gradually trusting your body and your knowledge of skills. You’ll never be asked to do something at a height your not ready and willing for. All of our beginning skills start low to the ground and you’ve got crash pads underneath you as well.  

Q. What should I bring with me?

A. Bring a bottle of water and all your excitement!

 

Q. What should I wear?

A.  Wear athletic wear or comfortable clothing you can move and stretch in! Leggings are strongly encouraged. No zippers, velcro, jewelry or any harsh materials on the fabrics allowed. Please and thank you! For a full breakdown of what to and what not to wear, please refer to our Studio Policies linked at the bottom of this page.

Q. How often should I take classes?

A. We recommend at least once or twice per week. However, if you train at least 2-3 times per week, you’ll see faster progress. Always listen to your body. If you’re feeling sore and exhausted, it’s time for rest!